What happens if the UK fails to grant French fishing licences?

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UK Faces EU Infringement Procedure Over Fishing Licence Dispute

If the United Kingdom fails to grant the necessary fishing licences to French vessels as stipulated by the post-Brexit trade agreement, it could trigger a formal infringement procedure initiated by the European Commission. This legal process, should negotiations falter, may ultimately lead to the European Union imposing financial penalties or tariffs on British goods. The core of the dispute centres on the UK's adherence to the terms of the December 2020 trade deal, which allows European fishermen to continue operating in British waters provided they can demonstrate a history of fishing in those areas.
Potential EU Legal Action

France has indicated that if a resolution is not reached, it will formally request the European Commission to commence a legal complaint against the UK. This action would mark the beginning of a formal infringement procedure, a mechanism within the EU's legal framework designed to address member states or, in this context, the UK's failure to comply with agreed-upon obligations. Such a procedure is typically initiated when one party believes another is not upholding its commitments under an agreement.
Escalation to Sanctions

The most significant consequence of an unresolved dispute could be the imposition of EU sanctions on British goods. If the UK is found to be in breach of its commitments under the December 2020 post-Brexit trade deal, the EU could escalate the matter to the point of levying financial penalties or applying tariffs. This represents the ultimate recourse for the EU to ensure compliance and penalise non-adherence to the agreed terms of the withdrawal agreement.
Technical Dispute Over Evidence

The UK government maintains that the issuance of licences is a technical process contingent upon vessels providing sufficient evidence of their historical fishing activity in specific waters, particularly around the Channel Island of Jersey. Britain has stated that many French vessels are unable to furnish the required documentation. While the European Commission acknowledges that most promised licences have been granted, a significant number remain in dispute, with officials examining logbooks from 2012-2016 to establish historical fishing patterns before the widespread adoption of digital monitoring.

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What happens if the UK fails to grant French fishing licences?

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